Hardwood Flooring F&W’s Maintenance Tips
It doesn’t matter what finish you have on our floor...there’ one thing to remember.
Dirt and grit act like sandpaper, to destroy the protective surface of a wood floor
Vacuum, sweep and dry-mop regularly.
Apply floor protective pads: all “moveable” pieces of furniture need soft, clean pads under legs or supports.
Use door mats: keep dirt and grit from coming in from outside areas by using walk mats placed at all exterior doors.
No high heels: High heels concentrate a person’s weight on a small point (estimate- 125lb person = approximately 2,000 lbs per inch when taking a normal step). This kind of force can dent and pit wood floors, fracture ceramic tiles and perforate vinyl. While high heels in good repair may not damage wood floors, we recommend a “no high heels” policy!
Pets are okay: Dog and cat toenails can scratch a wood floor. It’s a good idea to trim them regularly and try to contain vigorous play to a carpeted area. Some finishes like urethanes and Swedish-type finishes are essentially waterproof. This is a great finish for pets’ households because pet urine will not hurt these floors, if cleaned up immediately. Also spills from the food/water bowl are usually no problem if wiped up promptly.
Use area rugs: Some areas of the house experience more wear than others. Kitchens (especially in front of the sink) always support a lot of “traffic”. Area rugs can be used to protect such high-traffic points. Make sure they are kept clean and dry. Shake them out and vacuum all throw rugs frequently.
Be careful when moving heavy furniture/appliances: Remember to pick up heavy furniture; do not slide it across the floor. Rent a furniture dolly with soft rubber tyres, or an air sled. Floor guards enable you to move your appliances forward for servicing purposes, without gouging the floor.
What about cracks in my floor? Wood floors are very sensitive to their surrounding climate. Seasonal cracking is a common occurrence. Wood floors expand in humid conditions and contract when the air is dry, usually due to household heating. Using a humidifier or de-humidifier in conjunction with a heating/cooling system is recommended to keep a constant 30%-50% humidity level. This will minimise shrinking and cracking.
Indoor potted plants? Never place plants directly onto a wood floor, even if they are in a waterproof “saucer”. Always use trivets or short stands under the pot or “saucer” so that air can circulate underneath. This will prevent condensation on the “saucer” from damaging the wood floor. It will also be easier to see if the plant is over-watered, or if water has spilled onto the floor.
Rug marks? Many people are shocked when an area rug is moved and there is an outline of the rug on the floor. Luckily there’s no need to panic! If you remove the rug completely, the colour will eventually blend, but it will take a while. So please be patient! This happens because the sunlight hits one part of the “uncovered” wood floor and does not reach the floor under the rug. The discolouration can be avoided by moving the rugs frequently, or by using a finish with an ultra violet (UV) block when it is time to refinish.
Scratches? The most important thing to do about scratches is to find out the cause. Figure it out and take some preventative measure to remedy the problem. Scuffing or high traffic areas mean gritty shoes, or dirty floors. A throw rug may be needed to protect from further damage.
What can I do? Lightly scratched areas, which have not worn down to the bare wood, can sometimes be buffed. This will shine up the scuffed area and match the sheen of the rest of the floor, making damage less obvious. Several manufacturers offer floor finishes, in aerosol cans. These can be used if the finish is wearing thin: read the directions thoroughly! A deep scratch or gouge often cannot be repaired easily. Usually the only solution is to putty the mark and wait to fix it when other work is undertaken on the floor. Repairs often show more because the newly repaired wood does not match the original floor colour. Consult a professional if the damage exposes the bare wood.
Fitchett & Woollacott Ltd Lenton Lane Nottingham NG7 2PR tel 0115 993 1112 Fax 0115 993 1151
e. enquiries@fitchetts.co.uk web www.fitchetts.co.uk
Flooring Showroom open M-F 8.00am- 5.00pm and Sat: 8.00am - noon
